At a Glance
- Tasks: Support clinical trials and enhance drug development through diverse operational tasks.
- Company: Join Roche, a global leader in healthcare innovation and patient care.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, network opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Full-time placement with potential for flexible working arrangements after probation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on patients' lives while developing your skills in a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Must be in your penultimate or final year of study with strong organisational skills.
At Roche you can show up as yourself, embraced for the unique qualities you bring. Our culture encourages personal expression, open dialogue, and genuine connections, where you are valued, accepted and respected for who you are, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally. This is how we aim to prevent, stop and cure diseases and ensure everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Join Roche, where every voice matters.
Roche PD's mission is to improve patients' lives around the world through unique medicines that have a meaningful impact. Cross functionally we conduct global clinical trials, analyse results, monitor safety and work with regulatory authorities to provide truly differentiated medicines to patients. Our primary disease focus areas are Oncology, Hematology, Neurology, Immunology, Ophthalmology and Cardiovascular, Renal, and Metabolism (CVRM). The Product Development Global Clinical Operations team is at the heart of this mission, and we aspire to be leaders in Clinical Operations. We are responsible for providing operational project management, leadership and expertise. We act as the interface between Roche and external parties for optimal study delivery emphasising the importance of speed and cost-effectiveness. We instill an enterprise-wide perspective in all our work so that we continue to deliver for patients and Roche in accordance with regulations, Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Good Pharmacovigilance Practice (GVP) standards.
As an Industrial Placement Student (IPS) in Clinical Operations, you will get involved in supporting key tasks across a broad range of topics with potential to build your network outside of the department, ultimately helping accelerate drug development and the successful execution of clinical trials. We want you to join our mission and be part of our passionate, collaborative, dynamic Clinical Operations community!
The Opportunity:
We are offering an outstanding 13 month placement opportunity for up to six Industrial Placement Students (IPS), who will be based in Welwyn Garden City, UK. The IPS-COA will sit within Clinical Operations and be assigned to a clinical trial as well as be a valued part of a supportive and collaborative study community. The IPS-COA will be included in working groups where they will do meaningful work and have the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge as well as connect and collaborate with individuals in other functions outside of Operations. The IPS-COA will work closely with the Global Studies Leader (GSL) and the Global Studies Asset Manager (GSAM), who are responsible for effective and efficient leadership and delivery of all operational components of a clinical trial across study start up, conduct and close-out in accordance with the appropriate quality standards including Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and applicable regulations.
Students may also have the opportunity to work alongside the Country and Study Start-Up Teams. In this capacity they will strengthen site engagement, ensure effective communication and collaboration with clinical trial sites, and add value to Roche's portfolio, from early to late-stage development across Roche assets.
Key activities include:
- Day-to-Day Operations: Support the study team with daily operational tasks to ensure the clinical trial runs smoothly (e.g., patient recruitment, problem-solving, and working with contracts).
- Vendor Management: Assist in managing external vendors and Contract Research Organisations (CROs).
- Drug Supply: Support the management of clinical drug supply and shipments.
- Site Engagement: Work with the local study team to support effective study start-up strategies and assist in developing strong relationships with trial sites (including potential site visit opportunities).
- Compliance: Ensure study adherence to GCP and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Networking: Attend and actively participate in non-study-related activities, such as forums, departmental meetings, and wider organizational initiatives.
Note: This is not a laboratory-based role.
Who you are:
Applicants should be in the penultimate or last year of study, and should have a year in industry/placement year as part of their degree course. (Note: If you have already graduated with a Bachelor’s degree and are currently studying a postgraduate Masters or PhD, you are not eligible for this programme)
To be successful in this opportunity, applicants should also have:
- Strong planning and organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Good communication and problem-solving skills.
- A professional, reliable, and team-orientated outlook.
- A supportive and inclusive mindset, capable of demonstrating behaviours to work successfully in a collaborative environment.
- An awareness of your strengths and areas for development.
- A love of learning, a customer-focused attitude, and a desire to show up authentically to encourage growth and innovation.
- Comfortable thinking on your feet and thriving in fast-paced, ambiguous, and highly collaborative environments.
- Ability to come into the office for the majority of the time as well as being proficient in working in a virtual global setting when required.
The placement role is full-time. Initially, it is an on-site role requiring your presence in the office 5 days a week during the probationary period, after which flexible working arrangements will be assessed.
At Roche Products we believe diversity drives innovation and we are committed to building a diverse and flexible working environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion or belief, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability or age. We recognise the importance of flexible working and will review all applicants’ requests with care. At Roche difference is valued and we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer where you are encouraged to bring your whole self to work.
Industrial Placement Study Clinical Operations Associate employer: Roche Holding AG
Roche Products Ltd. is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, particularly within the Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism (CVRM) team. Employees benefit from comprehensive professional development opportunities, a commitment to patient-centric solutions, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in obesity and cardiometabolic care. Located in the UK, Roche offers a dynamic environment where your contributions directly enhance healthcare outcomes and scientific understanding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Industrial Placement Study Clinical Operations Associate
✨Explore Placement Opportunities Early
In the pharmaceutical industry, companies often start scouting for placement students way ahead of the academic year. So, don’t wait until the last minute! Keep an eye out for university partnerships with pharmaceutical companies, and hit up career fairs early to get your foot in the door.
✨Join Industry-Specific Groups
Get involved with organisations like the Royal Pharmaceutical Society or local student pharma societies. Not only will you learn loads from experts in the field, but you'll also have chances to network, which can lead to placements at companies like Roche Holding AG.
✨Attend Events and Workshops
Look out for events like community talks, workshops, and networking evenings hosted by pharmaceutical firms. These events are golden opportunities to connect with professionals, showcase your passion for the industry, and possibly even grab a placement with companies that really catch your eye.
✨Get Hands-On Experience
Don’t shy away from extra-curricular activities related to pharmaceuticals, like volunteering for health awareness campaigns or internships at research labs. This hands-on experience makes you much more appealing to recruiters at companies like Roche Holding AG, and gives you some solid stories to share in interviews.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Coursework:When applying for a placement in the pharmaceutical industry, make sure to emphasise any relevant coursework or projects on your CV. Showcase your understanding of drug development processes or pharmacology, and don't forget to mention any laboratory techniques you've mastered, like chromatography or spectroscopy. This will show that you’re already tuned into what the industry demands!
Tailored Personal Statement:In your cover letter, take the time to connect your academic background and experiences to what Roche Holding AG does. Demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for their projects or values and explain how this placement fits into your career goals. We want to see your passion for pharmaceuticals, so make it personal and relevant!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've completed any certifications, such as Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) or Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), make sure to highlight them on your CV. These credentials are particularly impressive in the pharmaceutical industry and can set you apart from other candidates.
Focus on Soft Skills and Teamwork:While technical skills are crucial, don't shy away from showcasing your soft skills. Highlight teamwork, communication, and adaptability in your written application, especially if you've participated in group projects or labs. Pharmaceutical settings often require collaboration, so showing you're a team player will boost your chances!
How to prepare for a job interview at Roche Holding AG
✨Know Your Pharma Stuff
Brush up on the latest trends and breakthroughs in the pharmaceutical industry. Be ready to discuss specific drugs, clinical trials, or even regulatory processes that are relevant to Roche Holding AG. Your interviewers will appreciate your knowledge and passion for the field!
✨Show Off Your Lab Skills
If you're applying for a placement in pharmaceuticals, highlight any lab experience or relevant projects you've worked on. Whether it's using specific software like ChemDraw or conducting experiments, be prepared to discuss how your skills can contribute to Roche Holding AG’s goals.
✨Be Open About Learning
As a placement candidate, they want to see your potential to grasp new concepts quickly. Be honest about what you've learned so far and express your eagerness to take on challenges during your time at Roche Holding AG. Show them you're ready to grow!
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect behavioural questions that examine your problem-solving skills and teamwork. Think of examples from your studies or past projects where you successfully worked with others or overcame obstacles. This will help demonstrate your fit for the collaborative nature of the pharmaceutical industry.